White, Lawrence Kermit "Red"

Date of birth:: June 10th, 1912 (Tennessee, United States)
Date of death:: April 5th, 2006
Buried on:: United States Military Academy Post Cemetery
Plot: XXXVI. Row: A. Grave: 40.
Service number:: 0-19241
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: June 16th, 1945

"For gallantry in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 and 17 April 1945."
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"When the advance of the 148th Infantry Regiment which he commanded was halted byintense enemy fire, Colonel White left his advance obersvation post, joined the forwardmost elements and took personal command of the situation. Although often exposed to the hostile fire, he so skillfully directed the attack that his Regiment advanced 6,000 yards and the Japanese fire was effectively silenced. The next day enemy forces launched a strong tank-supported counterattack against Colonel White's leading infantry and Armored elements. The situation was perilious and called for immediate, vigorious action. Again, leaving the comparative security of his advance obersvation post, Colonel White hastened to the front, personally directing countermeasures which resulted in the destruction of the attacking enemy tanks and the dispersion the acompanying Japanese infantry. During the action Colonel white was struck and painfully wounded by hostile machine gun bullets which fractured his left leg. Refusing to be evacuated until the men who had been woundes beside him were first given attention, Colonel White outlined his final order to the officer succeedinf him in command before permitting himself to be removed from the field of battle."

Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 157

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1945

"Colonel (Infantry) Lawrence Kermit White, United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 2 to 15 February 1945, in the Philippine Islands. When a platoon leader was killed, Colonel White assumed command of the platoon. Spurred by his example, his unit successfully pressed the attack. Then, while directing a crossing of the Pasig River in Manila, an enemy bombardment hit the area. Ordering his men to take cover in the bomb shelter, Colonel White remained and calmly directed the river crossing. A week later, when unable to communicate with one of his battalions, he went forward under heavy enemy fire to personally obtain needed intelligence. Colonel White's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 125